Guest Post: Who’s The Luckiest At Camp Luck?

by TaylorR

Today’s I present a guest post! I know, I know, you don’t see many of them here at LR, but Carol just has too wonderful of a message that I had to have her share her experience with you. And since one of my goals for 2013 is to become more involved in charity, I thought this was awesome.

(Carol is on the far left)

Carol is a fellow Winthrop grad, and though we didn’t know each other in school, I am blessed to have her in my life now thanks to mutual friends. We met a few weeks back in Charlotte and someone my involvement with Special Olympics was brought up, I learned about her’s with Camp Luck.

So with that… here’s Carol!

I’m The Lucky One

True health is achieving sound mind, body, and spirit. And although times may be tough, when you aren’t comfortable with the reflection you see in the mirror, doing something philanthropic for others can bring overwhelming joy to those you support as well as yourself. And why not do something beneficial for your heart? After all, Valentine’s Day was just days ago, love is still in the air!

I’ve certainly experienced some ups and downs recently to say the least. But if ever I’m feeling sorry for myself, I don’t have to look far to be reminded of my many blessings.

Nearly 1 in every 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Children with heart problems are often deemed ineligible to participate in events most kids take for granted… hence the creation of Camp LUCK.

Participating in Camp LUCK has without a doubt impacted my life as much if not more as those of the kiddos it supports. In an effort to achieve true health through sound mind, body, and spirit, I highly recommend getting involved in your community! Of course, if you’d prefer to support our fabulous cause, I’m okay with that as well!

But simple the joy of doing for others, whatever the cause may be will impact your life more than I can ever stress.

What’s Camp Luck?

Glad you asked!

Camp LUCK, Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids, began when the passions of four people merged. Jay “Bird” Thompson and René Herlong had a vision of creating a summer camp for children with heart problems. They pitched this idea to a meeting of the family support group, Levine Cardiac Kids. At that meeting, they learned that they had two very enthusiastic partners in Kim Jackson and her son, Jacob. Jacob had been to a similar camp in California, and he and his mother were eager to provide local kids with the same opportunity. This melding of passions was the spark that ignited others to join in on the effort, and Camp LUCK Family Camp was born.

Family camp was an introduction to the idea of a kids’ camp for the families in Levine Cardiac Kids, and it was a resounding success. After our first family camp, we formed a Board of Directors (which is where I was fortunate enough to get involved) and began the hard work of creating a kids’ camp. Several months after our first family camp, Jacob Jackson died after his last of many surgeries for his heart defect.

The Camp LUCK community was devastated, but we all knew how much Jacob wanted to have a kids’ camp for his friends with heart problems. Jacob’s death turned that spark into a bonfire! All of us were re-energized to create this camp as Jacob’s legacy.

We have since hosted our third family camp and inaugural kids camp. Jacob has been with us every step of the way. His initials are on our logo, and his memory is forever in our hearts. We believe that there is no finer legacy than Camp LUCK.

Woof, I feel like I just dropped a ton of information on ya.

To recap, Camp LUCK transforms our heart kids into Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids by programs designed to nurture, educate and support the kids and their families. It’s more than a camp; it’s an attitude… and changing attitudes changes lives. Camp LUCK is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. Through tireless fundraising efforts, camp is free for all children involved. Family Camp is held one weekend a year in May and is a chance for families to bond and to support one another while having the time of their lives.

Kids Camp is held for one week in August and provides an opportunity for kids 7-14 years of age with significant heart disease to have a “regular” summer camp experience. Each child is encouraged to bring a sibling to camp. This year we will host Family Camp May 17th-19th and Kids Camp August 11th-17th.

It’s More For Me

Participating in Camp LUCK has without a doubt impacted my life as much if not more as those of the kiddos it supports. In an effort to achieve true health through sound mind, body, and spirit, I highly recommend getting involved in your community! Of course, if you’d prefer to support our fabulous cause, I’m okay with that as well!

But simple the joy of doing for others, whatever the cause may be will impact your life more than I can ever stress.

For more information on Camp LUCK or how you can get involved, please visit CampLUCK.com or facebook.com/CampLUCK. And for a pick me up, take a look at the following videos: